Monday, January 31, 2011

The Crazy Bookworm had the pleasure to ask author David Moody(Hater, Autumn Series) a few questions

First off, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself

Sure! I’m from the UK and I live just outside Birmingham with my wife and a houseful of daughters and step-daughters. That, as it says on the biography from my UK publisher, is probably why I have this unhealthy addiction to the end of the world! I’ve been writing seriously for more than 15 years now (that doesn’t seem possible – scary!), and after running my own small press for several years (Infected Books), I’m now published by ‘proper’ publishers which is extremely cool and still quite hard to believe. Prior to writing full-time, I used to work in finance and I was, I’m almost ashamed to admit, a bank manager. I worked in large processing centres where I had responsibility for a lot of staff. They were my inspiration! If someone wound me up at work, I’d go home and write a zombie version of them and give them a horrific death scene!

What made writing the Autumn series different from The Hater series?

Autumn actually came first, and I’ll explain why in a few questions time. Although they have a lot of similarities, they’re two very different series. Although the Hater books are often classed as zombie novels, they’re not. I think the comparison is drawn because both series deal with the human race being split in two. But instead of living and dead, in Hater you have the ‘Haters’ and the ‘Unchanged’ . The Autumn books are far less violent than Hater, and the focus is very different too. I like to think of the Autumn books as being about a group of survivors, rather than being about the living dead. Sure, there are hundreds of thousands of zombies there, but I’m more interested in how people come to terms with the end of the world, not in how many zombie kills each character can chalk up.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Big, bald and angry. I’m not really, but that’s how I look. I mean, I am big and bald, but I also just happen to look angry all the time. You can’t help it when you’re blessed with a face like mine!

Could you survive a Zombie Apocalypse? If so, what would your survival tactic be?

Yes, I’m sure I could! And I think I’d do it by doing the exact opposite of what everyone else will probably be doing! In every zombie story, you seem to hear about survivors ganging together, foraging for supplies, searching for weapons etc. etc. etc. I think I’d get the family together, get as much food and water as I could, then just lie low (I have a few likely locations planned, but I’m not telling you where they are!). The key thing to remember about zombies, I think, is that they should be virtually rotted down to nothing in six months. Bide your time. Be quiet. Be careful... actually, I’m going to stop answering this question now. I’m starting to realize I’ve spent too much time thinking about this. I really do have my escape routes planned! Is that wrong?!

What is a day in the life of David Moody like?

I often (half-jokingly) describe myself as a housewife and part-time writer! I work from home, and that’s absolutely great but the consequence is that I take much of the responsibility for driving the kids around, cooking dinner, walking the dog, doing the washing etc. etc. So my usual working day is weaved around the family’s requirements (and that, of course, is exactly how it should be). I walk our youngest daughter to school, then usually go out for a run to clear my head and get ready for work. I’m a distance runner, so I train most days, and I actually get a lot of work done when I run. It’s great thinking time. I usually spend an hour answering emails and doing admin. etc., then write until it’s time to get the girls from school. I work best in hour long chunks, and I’m only really productive when I switch the Internet off. My wife works and studies, so after dinner I’ll usually go back up to the office for a while longer. I usually have a number of different projects on the go, so I’ll often spend a little time working on several rather than a whole day on the same thing. It’s a great way of working, and I’m really fortunate to be able to have such a flexible lifestyle. After many years of the 9-5 grind, I really appreciate it.

What are your top 5 favourite films(Any genre)

The Fly (the Cronenberg remake), The Old Dark House, Children of Men, Moon, and (unsurprisingly) Romero’s original Night of the Living Dead.

Tell us about your road to publication

As I alluded to earlier, I’ve not followed the typical route to publication. My first novel – Straight to You – was published by a small press in the UK back in 1996. I naively thought I’d hit the big time, but I was brought back down to earth with a thump when it didn’t even sell out its first microscopic print run. By the time I’d finished my second novel, Autumn, I knew I didn’t want to immediately get back onto the same submission > rejection merry-go-round again so I tried to find a different route to get the book published. I quickly decided that the most important thing was to try and get the book to as large an audience as possible. I was just taking my first steps online at the time, and it soon became obvious that the best way of publicizing my work would be to give the book away as a free download. It was quite a unique thing to do back then – very few authors were doing it. It took a while for word of mouth to grow, but I was soon generating some very healthy and consistent download figures. I started writing the planned sequels to Autumn and this time made them available as paid downloads and, to my amazement, people started buying them! When I was made redundant from the bank in 2005, I started Infected Books and used print on demand to get my books out as paperbacks. Everything was going well... I was selling plenty of books and writing plenty more. Then, out of the blue, I received an email enquiring about the availability of the film rights to Hater (I’d just published the book a couple of months earlier). After I’d fallen off my seat and ascertained that the email was genuine, the deal was made and Guillermo del Toro’s (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy) name was attached. Within a couple more months I’d signed with Thomas Dunne Books in the US, and they picked up most of my back catalogue.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Creatively, I have a few. In terms of literature, I’ve always been very vocal of the inspiration I’ve had from the works of John Wyndham (particularly ‘Day of the Triffids’) and HG Wells. I’m a frustrated film-maker at heart (I will get there one day!), and movie-wise my biggest influences are David Cronenberg, George Romero, Peter Jackson (particularly his lesser-known pre-Lord of the Rings movies – Brain Dead, Bad Taste, Meet the Feebles), and early John Carpenter.

How did it feel to find out 'Hater' was going to the big screen?

You know, it’s more than four years since the initial approach was made, and I still can’t quite believe it. It was enough that they were interested in the book and wanted to make a Hater movie, but having people like Guillermo del Toro and J A Bayona involved genuinely is a dream come true. I think most authors are nervous when their material is adapted for the screen by someone else (I was when Renegade Motion Pictures filmed Autumn a couple of years back), but in this case I’m just incredibly excited and I can’t wait to see what they do with the material.

Have you ever thought about writing a different genre...Perhaps a 'Happily ever after'?

Yes! And I will... eventually. The thing about the end of the world is that it’s great for amplifying people’s emotions. When you’re in danger and running out of time, every decision matters – every choice you make might literally mean life or death. I think fast-forwarding to almost the end is a wonderful way of stripping away the trappings of our day-to-day lives and focusing on big decisions and important issues. But yes, I will surprise everyone one day by writing a book where things actually turn out okay for once!

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Two things. Firstly – most importantly – thank you! I’ve only managed to achieve what I have through the support and feedback I’ve had from countless people along the way. It’s easy to say and it might seem trite, but I’m indebted to everyone who has read any of my books, even if they’ve hated the experience! The second thing I’d like to say is that if you’ve liked what you’ve read, please tell someone else. We live in an increasingly controlled world where the media is manipulated far more than I think most people appreciate. I make a point of telling people when I discover a new book or movie or piece of music, and if everyone does the same then we’ll hopefully still see original works and new voices breaking through.

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you share a little about it?

I’ve got too many projects on the go right now! As well as starting to prep the books I’m hoping to write next, I’m wrapping up both the Hater and Autumn series. Them or Us – the final Hater book – should be out towards the end of this year, and I’m about to start work on Autumn: Aftermath, the final Autumn novel. There are several more due to be released within the next twelve months, and in early February I’m launching http://www.lastoftheliving.net/ - an Autumn website which will eventually contain more than 100,000 words of free zombie fiction as well as audio dramas, short films and original artwork.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

I have had a blog for about 4 years but I didn't seriously start bloging till 3yrs ago.

CB: What inspired you to start a book blog?

I thought it would be cool since I like to write. I then thought it would be neat to blog about books I read because I like being able to tell people about them. Not a lot of my friends read so its hard to talk to them about books so I just decided to write my thoughts down instead.

CB: Tell us 5 things about yourself.

I am single. I have 6 dogs. I am a huge movie buff. I road a greyhound bus from Missouri to California, it took two days and was very interesting. I have a facebook addiction that cuts into my reading and writing time, but I just can't help myself..lol.

CB: If you bring to life any book character in history, who would it be?

Wow, thats a really hard question, but I think I will have to go with Captian Wentworth from Jane Austen's Persuasion. It is my favorite story I just can't help but love Captian Wentworth's devotion to Ann and how he never stopped loving her even after she turned him down. I think it would be a lot of fun to be able to chat with him about the things of that time era.

CB: Finish this sentence.."I can't live without..."

my books of course! I think I would be lost with out them. They are literally everywhere in my house I am surrounded by them and they are comforting. :)

CB: What book could you re-read over and over again?

You know I don't really do a lot of re-reading, but I have re-read all of Jane Austen's books and I think I could re-read Jane Eyre.

CB: What is your favourite reading place?

My couch, with a blanket and a nice cup of coffee.

CB: Do you have a favourite movie that came from a book?

Well, that one is hard because so many of the books and movies just don't match up, but I really liked the version of Persuasion that has Ciran Hinds and Captian Wentworth. He is so british and I loved him in that part and its hard for me not to think of Capt. Wentworth with out thinking of Ciran Hinds.

CB: If you had to chose 5 books to keep from your bookshelf, which would you choose?

The Complete works of Jane Austen, Jane Eyre by Charolette Bronte, The Stand by Steven King, Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey (she is a new favorite author), and The complete works of Shakespeare. (I know its a strange combination but that was hard I like to many books!)

CB: What hobbies do you enjoy aside from Blogging and reading?

I like to write and I do a bit of scrapbooking but reading really is the main one.

CB: Have you ever read a book that changed your opinion about something?

Well I must stay that before I read Harry Potter I was a little swayed by a lot of the attention it was getting about being bad for children. I grew up in a Christian home but I still like the strange and unusual so I didn't read them for a long time but then I decided to watch the first movie and didn't see anything really that wrong with it it was just a story. So I read the books and become a fan. Other than that I can't really think of anything.

After losing his wife and young daughter in a plane crash, US journalist Fletcher Carson joins the flagging war effort in Vietnam where he plans to die. However, during one of his early missions he rescues a critically wounded Labrador and helps nurse him back to health. Fletcher names the dog Jack and, as the bond deepens between them, he slowly begins to regain his will to live. A ceasefire is then signed, effectively bringing an end to the war. As the soldiers celebrate the announcement, it is soon followed by bad news. The American Government declares that, due to the cost of the withdrawal, all US dogs serving in the war have been labelled as 'surplus military equipment' and will be left behind. For Fletcher, he knows that if he abandons Jack, then he too will be lost. His decision makes for a most dramatic and moving novel.

Adam March is a self-made “Master of the Universe.” He has it all: the beautiful wife, the high-powered job, the glittering circle of friends. But there is a price to be paid for all these trappings, and the pressure is mounting—until the day Adam makes a fatal mistake. His assistant leaves him a message with three words: your sister called. What no one knows is that Adam’s sister has been missing for decades. That she represents the excruciatingly painful past he has left behind. And that her absence has secretly tormented him all these years. When his assistant brushes off his request for an explanation in favor of her more pressing personal call, Adam loses it. And all hell breaks loose.

Adam is escorted from the building. He loses his job. He loses his wife. He loses the life he’s worked so hard to achieve. He doesn’t believe it is possible to sink any lower when he is assigned to work in a soup kitchen as a form of community service. But unbeknownst to Adam, this is where his life will intersect with Chance.

Chance is a mixed breed Pit Bull. He’s been born and raised to fight and seldom leaves the dirty basement where he is kept between fights. But Chance is not a victim or a monster. It is Chance’s unique spirit that helps him escape and puts him in the path of Adam.

What transpires is the story of one man, one dog, and how they save each other—in ways they never could have expected.

In less than twenty-four hours a vicious and virulent disease destroys virtually all of the population. Billions are killed. Thousands die every second. There are no symptoms and no warnings. Within moments of infection each victim suffers a violent and agonizing death. Only a handful of survivors remain. By the end of the first day those survivors wish they were dead. Then the disease strikes again, and all hell breaks loose... The classic free underground novel finally bursts into the mainstream. Cold, dark, relentless and uncomfortably plausible. A Night of the Living Dead for the 21st Century. "the perfect zombie story" "nothing written in the genre has grabbed me in the same way as AUTUMN" "an equal to Romero's Night of the Living Dead

Everything that means anything to you is taken away in seconds. No warning. No explanation. Nothing. AUTUMN: THE CITY is the first sequel to the acclaimed horror novel AUTUMN. A virulent disease rips across the face of the planet, killing billions of people in less than twenty-four hours. A small group of survivors cower in fear in the desolate remains of a silent city. As the full extent of the devastation caused by the disease is revealed the desperate people fight to keep thousands upon thousands of plague victims at bay and to continue to survive from day to day. They fight to stay alive. The unexpected appearance of a company of soldiers again threatens the survivor's fragile existence. Do they trust this sudden military presence? Will the military bring them hope and answers, or just more fear, pain and destruction? Far more than an ordinary sequel, AUTUMN: THE CITY expands on the nightmare of the first novel and takes the reader closer to discovering what caused the death of billions of people on a single inauspicious September day

...I am really excited to read the Autumn Series! Stop by The Crazy Bookworm on Tuesday, Feb 1st for my interview with David Moody. Author of the Autumn Series.

Lia and Cassie were best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies. But now Cassie is dead. Lia's mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her father is away on business. Her step-mother is clueless. And the voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control, stay strong, lose more, weigh less. If she keeps on going this way—thin, thinner, thinnest—maybe she'll disappear altogether.

In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the National Book Award finalist Speak, best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson explores one girl's chilling descent into the all-consuming vortex of anorexia."

"You’re not dead, but you’re not alive, either. You’re a wintergirl, Lia-Lia, caught in between the worlds. You’re a ghost with a beating heart"

This is my second book by this author, my first being Speak. Laurie Halse Anderson has already proved to me that she is a stunning writer after reading Speak, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book next. In Wintergirls she pieces together one of the most haunting, painfully vivid stories that I have ever read. Wintergirls is a very visual read. Every Scar on Lia's body, every morsel of food she puts in her mouth, you can see it. It's as if you are right there beside her, a ghostly figure like Cassie, watching her. The character cast is small, which makes reading the book more personal. The book is written like a diary, Lia is speaking directly to you, telling you her story. Lia is a powerful character, she is fighting a battle with food and with her body. The less she weighs the stronger she feels in her mind, even though she is deteriorating, wearing away slowly. Elijah's character threw me off at first, but then I quickly understood that he was a very important character, and important for Lia. She needed him.

There is so much I want to say about this book but I don't want to give anything away! Laurie Halse Anderson crafted such a painful, beautifully told story. Lia's character will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I don't know why I waited so long to read Wintergirls but I'm glad I finally did. I think it is one of those books that everyone should read at least once. Wintergirls is one of the best YA books I have read.

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Crazy Bookworm had the great opporunity to ask Gareth Crocker, author of upcoming book FINDING JACK a few questions.

What inspired you to write FINDING JACK?

I was visiting the Vietnam Memorial in Washington during time off from a writing seminar some years ago when a Vietnam veteran, dressed in full military gear, pulled up alongside me. After a few emotional minutes he aluted, reached into his jacket, and withdrew an old dog harness which he placed against the foot of the wall. As he began to walk away, my curiosity got the better of me and I asked him about the harness. He explained that he had been a dog handler during the war and that his dog had saved not only his life, but those of his entire platoon on no less than three occasions. He told me that not a week passes that he doesn't think of his loyal and brave friend and what became of him. When I asked what he meant by that, he told me the harrowing story of the Vietnam War dogs. He described how, at the end of the war, the government declared the dogs 'surplus military equipment' and ordered that they remain behind in Vietnam. It was simply costing too much to repatriate them. Some of the dogs were handed over to the South Vietnamese, but most were left to fates unknown. Many would have succumbed to hunger and disease while others would have no doubt been captured for food. It is widely estimated that the dogs (approximately 4000) saved the lives of more than 10,000 US and Allied troops. Yet barely 200 of these K-9 soldiers ever made it home. Unfortunately, and regrettably, I never asked the man's name. His account, however, and the Vietnam Memorial became my inspiration. Finding Jack is a simple and pure story about one man's love for his dog and his refusal to abandon him in Vietnam. It's also a metaphor for the healing powers of hope and that no matter how lost we become in this world, we can almost always find our way back to the light.

Tell us 5 things about yourself

1. Three years ago, I wrote, produced and directed a film which can still be seen on television from time to time.

It's a thriller entitled, Taken (not the brilliant one with Liam, another one), and is absolutely horrid - but it was wonderful fun to put together. People kept telling me that making a film, any film, bordered on the impossible. I find it remarkable how good some people are at talking themselves out of doings things.

2. I once ran The Comrades Marathon - a 100 kilometre ultra marathon run in sweltering heat in South Africa. I made it, minus a few toenails, in just over nine hours. My head believes it was a great experience. My legs disagree.

3. My wife and I have two children. Our eldest is adopted.

4. I once wrote a speech for Nelson Mandela.

5. I've enjoyed a minor career as a radio copywriter - having written more than 500 adverts.

What is a day in the life of Gareth Crocker like?

Wake up. Drink a bucket of coffee. Write. Cry a bit. Punch the keyboard, lament my lack of talent. Play with the children. Delete what I've written. Frown at myself in the mirror. Play with the dogs. Write some more. Have lunch. Delete what I wrote earlier. Toss laptop into swimming pool. Go ride my mountain bike. Write a little in longhand. Have dinner. Toss pages into the fireplace. And then to sleep.

I am a huge animal lover myself, I currently have 3 dogs. To you, what is the best part of having a pet?

We have four dogs. Jack and Jill (both Labradors), a third 'pavement special' named Rusty and a tiny Yorkie which my daughters have named Hannah. They are all very precious to us. Jack and Jill love swimming and can often be heard doing laps in our swimming pool in the middle of the night while the rest of the world is lying beneath layers of duvets and blankets, teeth chattering. They seem entirely without nerve endings. They are strong and protective, yet as gentle as lambs with our small children. They allow my girls to dress them up, balance toys on their heads, cover them with bright pink blankets and generally do with them what they will. Rusty, a kind of Lassie meets Benji, has one job in life - that of watch dog and family protector. She patrols the front gate every hour of the day and, even when it rains, refuses to seek shelter in the garage. This will sound crazy, I know, but my wife and I rescued Rusty from quite a nasty situation and I can't help but think that she feels indebted to us. That she has to somehow repay us. And, sadly, I think she feels it's a lifelong debt. I keep trying to coax her away from the gate, from her duty, but she always returns. As soon as I'm not looking, she's back there, her nose twitching, her eyes scanning the road. It saddens me, but I love her to bits for it as well. Hannah, the mighty Yorkie, could easily fit in my pocket and is a delight. Growing up we never had small dogs and, to be truthful, they were never my favorites. But she has wormed her way into my heart, that much is for sure. Weighing barely three pounds, she often launches off the couch and barks bravely at some large predator trawling across our television screen. We can all learn a great deal from our dogs. Hannah is probably the size of my shoe, but she acts and lives entirely without fear. So what's the best part? There are simply too many to choose from.

Describe the feeling you had when you found out FINDING JACK was going to be published.

Disbelief, followed by elation, followed by the shuddering certainty that somewhere, somehow the publisher had gotten me confused with a real writer. Remarkably, on the day I received the news, it snowed for the first time in Johannesburg in something like 20 years.

Did you come across any challenges while writing FINDING JACK?

Only after every word. And only when I was breathing... Writing any novel is a challenge, but if I had to isolate one particular stumbling block with Finding Jack it would have to be the sensitive nature of the subject matter I was dealing with. As a South African, born only in the mid-seventies, I needed to be as respectful as possible in dealing with the facts and emotions surrounding the Vietnam War. I tried also to be as non-judgmental as I could when it came to the decisions that ultimately sealed the fate of the War Dogs. That was very important to me. It was not my war. I was not there. Who am I, a voice kept telling me, to point fingers? .

Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."

...my children. My wife, on the other hand, well...

If you could travel back in time where would you go?

Back to my teenage self, with a glint in my eye ... and a sports almanac tucked under my arm.

What is one guilty pleasure you have?

Caramel. My kingdom, for a tin of caramel.

Have you written anything else that you would like to see published?

I'm completing novels number 2 and 3 at the moment.

Can you share a little?

Book number two is entitled "Journey from Darkness" and tells the tale of two brothers trying to save a tribe of ancient Desert Elephants from savage poachers as they make their way across South Africa after the first World War. It's part thriller, part adventure, part love story. Quite emotionally charged, I think.If you enjoy Finding Jack, I think you'll love this one as well. Book number three's working title is "The Phoenix Child". It's about an author who loses his daughter in a botched kidnapping and then, weeks later, receives a letter which carries a single white card. Written on the card are six words: I can bring your daughter back... A powerful love story with a difference, I hope.

Crazy Quiz!

1. Your favourite movie of all time

Rocky

2. Name one pet peeve that you have

DIY

3. You favourite show as a child

Cheers

4. Early bird or Night owl?

Night Owl.

5. What super power would you like to have?

The power to incinerate book reviewers (only the bad ones, of course...)

Thank you so much Gareth! It was a pleasure interviewing you!

Gareth Crocker, a former journalist, lives with his wife and two children in Johannesburg, South Africa. Finding Jack is his first novel, which he wrote in the company of his three dogs, Jill, Rusty and Jack (pictured with the author).

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Question of the Week: "What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?"Oh my gosh! This is a hard question. There are simply to many to chose from. I'd have a long list if I named all of them. I'm looking forward to 'Never have I ever' by Sara Shepard since I just read The Lying Game. But there are just to many to pick from.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

This week I chose Night Shade by Michelle Rowen. I am receiving this book for review this week and I can't wait to read it!!

Jillian Conrad never believed in vampires. But she’s just become a living, breathing weapon against them. Attacked by a desperate scientist, she is injected with a serum that was supposed to act as a deadly poison to vampires. And when the scientist is gunned down in front of her, his secrets die with him.

Declan Reese was only half-vampire, but he hates them with all his heart. He knows that the poison in Jillian’s veins could finally destroy the undead kingdom. Also, the serum has had an unintended effect, making her blood irresistible to all vampires—including Declan, whose bloodthirsty traits are driven into a frenzy by her.

Driven by duty to protect her and by instinct to crave her, Declan takes Jillian into his shadowy world of blood and battle. But he soon realizes his increasing need for her may be a different kind of hunger…

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

Let the lying game begin.

Wow, I loved The Lying Game! Sara Shepard officially has me hooked. I haven't read the Pretty Little Liars series yet but they have just been bumped up on my 'TBR' pile. I didn't think I was going to like this book as much as I did. I am not a big fan of "Murder mystery" but Sara Shepard takes it to a completely different level. Imagine finding out you have a long lost twin, that is crazy enough. Then you go to meet that twin only to find out that she's been murdered and you've been set up to replace her so no one knows she's dead...Intense. The Lying Game is a page-turning, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat reading experience. I couldn't peel my eyes away from the pages. Sara Shepard created such a riveting character cast. Emma was a character I immediately bonded with. She's sweet and loving and just wants to fit in. The secondary characters were fantastic as well. I built some sort of relationship with all of them, even is some where a little of a love/hate relationship.

The Lying game was a thrilling ride. A great quick read that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys Young adult and "who done it" kind of books. I can't wait to get my hands on book #2 'Never Have I Ever' that is set to come out this year.

What I loved: The thrilling, fast-paced storyline. The characters and the pretty cover.What I disliked: The ending...I love cliffhangers but they can drive me bonkers!!

SR: I started blogging when I noticed all the fun one of my best friends was having with her blogs. I have always been an avid reader and I’ve always enjoyed sharing my books with others. I’ve belonged to many bookclubsover the last 15 years and I just thought that writing my thoughts down for me to share with others would be fun. Plus it gave me chance to meet other bloggers and to get ideas of different books to read that were not always within my comfort zone.

CB: If you could choose 5 books to keep from your bookshelf, which 5 would you choose?

SR: This is a difficult question because I read a lot of series’ and since buying an eReader almost a year ago I don’t buy many book books anymore.Anywho, I would keep The Hunger Games, JR Ward’s books andCharlaine Harris’ books. I’ve also read a couple new authors this past year that I would keep. They are Shawna Lynn – Lessons from an Evil Mind series and Kathleen McKenna – The Wedding Gift. I also don’t want to forget Diana Gabaldon, Laurell K Hamilton and Laurie Notaro. I know you said five books and that’s 6 authors with probably a total of 30 books.

CB: What 3 book characters would you like to have dinner with?

SR: Jamie – Outlander Series

Lord John Grey – Outlander Series

Eric Northman – Southern Vampire Series

CB: What is one book you would recommend?

SR: Outlander Series

CB: If you could travel back in time where would you go?

SR: I don’t think I would want to go back any farther than the 1920’s. I like that era for the music and the style but I don’t think I would want to go back anymore.

CB: Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."?

SR: Humor in my life…

CB: What is one book you could re-read over and over again?

SR: I’m not a re-reader. If I know what’s going to happen I won’t want to read it. Although I do enjoy reading the ending of a book while I’m in the middle I think that’s different.

CB: What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

SR: Cheesecake

CB: Aside from reading and blogging, what other hobbies do you enjoy?

SR: Scrapbooking

CB: Have you ever read a book that changed your opinion about something?

SR: Lately I’ve been reading a lot of YA books in the utopian/dystopian genre.Reading these books haven’t necessarily changed my opinion of anything but I think it has somewhat given me a different way of thinking about the world and government. I think about a lot of ‘what if’ scenarios now.

CB: What is the best and hardest part about blogging?

SR: The best part about blogging for me is when someone comments on one of my posts. The hardest part is finding the tine to finish a book and post. Being a full-time worker, wife and mom to an almost 5 year old doesn’t give me much time unless I stay up late at night (which I have done manytimes J)

CB: What are you reading now?

SR: I’m reading Matched by Ally Condie and Maze Runner by James Dashner

CRAZY QUIZ

Favourite childhood show?

I grew up in Jamaica when they only had one TV station. I didn’t watch a lot of TV then (still don’t now) so I watch the Pink Panther cartoons,Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street a lot.

Day or Night?

Night

Name one pet peeve?

People who talk just to hear themselves talk and brag about the things they have whether it’s true or not.

I know Bloggiesta doesn't technically end till tomorrow at 8am, but I have completed most of my tasks and anything else will be improved through out time. I hope everyone had a productive weekend and completed some or most of the goals you guys had.

Here is what I did:

*Worked on Sidebars. Took away "This months must". All Movies and Books that I recommend can be found in the 'I recommend' widget on my left sidebar.
*Caught up on e-mails and review requests and also cleaned out my e-mail folders(What a task that was!)

*Updated 'About Me' on Blogger home. I decided not to add one to my page but that decision may change in the future...What do you think?

﻿It is 1962, and Agnes Hayden Bashford, Haddie, a brainy Southern teen from a tradition-bound family, dreams of breaking free from suffocating expectations placed on girls and from Wicomico Corners. She vows to escape to the exhilarating world beyond its narrow borders, like her handsome, older friend Gideon Albright who is going to Vietnam. A series of shocking incidents brings the outside world crashing down on her peaceful village, exposing long-buried family secrets and setting Haddie on a collision course with an unstable firebrand who will have to silence her to protect his identity. Haddie witnesses the fatal shooting of a black teen by a white down-on-his-luck farmer trying to protect his retarded son. The resulting murder trial attracts outside agitators and political aspirants, and pits townspeople against each other. Excited about being a witness in the trial, Haddie sees her moment of notoriety dissolve into frustration and discomfort and tragedy claim the people around her. The racially-charged case exposes civic fault lines and secrets within Haddie's own family, shattering her comfortable home life, and unleashes an arsonist who terrorizes the community by night. In Deed So, a young girl and an entire town lose their innocence in the last year of innocence, the year before the Kennedy assassination, the civil rights struggle, feminist activism and the Vietnam War changed America forever. Release Date: Nov. 18th, 2010

For anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog.

"Once In A Lifetime Dog, My Borisangel", is the true, heartwarming story of Chantelle Hildreth’s journey into adulthood with her dog, Boris, a massive, elegant white beast with more personality, grace and charm than most people you’ll ever meet.

He was her companion and best friend, at her side every step of the way. Boris was Chantelle’s study partner through the rigors of law school, her backbone in her first teaching position and the inspiration for the purchase of her first home. He was the first child of her marriage and an infallible source of comfort and strength through the trials of her pregnancy.

In this touching and humorous story about the deep connection between an extraordinary dog and his owner, Chantelle battles rats, adopts a fashion statement that incorporates dog hair and bases her life’s decision making in devotion to her special dog.

"Once In A Lifetime Dog, My Borisangel" is a true story of unconditional love, the heartache of loss and the astonishing and uncanny ability of the special animals in our lives to teach some of the most profound life lessons.

It is a love story. A story of how much a dog loved his owner and just how much she loved him, a love that changed her forever. Boris stood by the one he loved, so in the end, when he left her, she could stand-alone. Release Date: Nov.26th, 2010

It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance. Release Date-April 5th,2011

Lily is a dreamer. In fact, her dreams of Jane Austen have gotten a little out of control. Not only has she been let go of he job for reading Northanger Abbey when she should have been doing work. She's taken to having an imaginary friend give her advice-Jane Austen herself. This is all because Lily's been having some tough tims. For one thing, her boyfriend has just abandoned her for another woman. So when she ger the amazing opportunity to travel to London to re-enact Austen's Mansfield Park, she leaps at the chance. But though it seems Lily will be escaping her troubles, the truth is she'll begin facing-and dealing-with them....with a little help from Jane, of course. Release Date: March 3rd, 2011

Nick Radford is a reluctant werewolf who's been fighting the Beast within for nearly 500 years. He's never killed a human, but the Beast is gaining strength and Nick may not be able to ward off his inner demon much longer.

Kyla Yaeger is an elite were-hunter with a scarred past. Her life's mission is to slay the werewolves that slaughtered her parents. Her quest has brought her to Maine, where she's been summoned to destroy the werewolf terrorizing the quaint little village of Heavensent. The last thing she needs is to get distracted by her mysterious—not to mention hunky—new neighbor, Nick Radford.

By the time Kyla learns Nick is her target, she's already fallen for him, making her task of killing him that much harder. She is torn between her love for him and her duty to kill her sworn enemy. Nick fights his forbidden love for Kyla, knowing she is duty-bound to kill him. Kyla and Nick must join forces to fight an even bigger threat—one that will destroy all humanity. Only by their combined powers, can they destroy the evil and bring an end to a centuries old curse. Release Date: December 20th, 2010(e-book)

Lexie Cortese is in Rome to forget. The last thing she expects is to meet a sexy Interpol agent who suspects her of being part of a terrorist plot involving a stolen diamond. Suddenly thrust into a world of murders, muggings, and kidnappings, Lexie doesn’t know what to think—or who to believe.

Dominic Brioni’s assignment is simple. Befriend the American and bring her to justice. Only Lexie seems like the most unlikely terrorist Dominic has ever met. Sweet, determined, and direct, she faces life with courage and fire, a fire that sparks his protective instincts and a longing for something more—something he allowed himself to hope for only once before.

But that woman betrayed him, and his boss isn’t about to let him forget it. With his career on the line and Lexie in danger, will Dominic learn to trust his heart before they both get killed? Release Date: December 14th, 2010(e-book)

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend! And to those that are taking part in Bloggiesta, I hope that you're accomplishing all your blog wishes! This was the perfect weekend for Bloggiesta because here in Canada we got some -15 weather with some snow that came along with it, so I don't mind be inside. It helped me get a lot done on my blog that I needed to! All week last week I had a Readers Satisfaction Survey posted for my crazy readers to fill out to help make The Crazy Bookworm better. Thanks to everyone that took the time to fill it out! Now I'm going to stop rambling and get to the results.

Do you enjoy the new simple layout? The majority said they liked it, so that was great to hear! I am trying to make it simple and soft on the eyes.

What do you enjoy most about The Crazy Bookworm Blog: Almost everyone said my new feature 'Interview with a Blogger' That was a feature I was toying with and wasn't sure if it was going to be successful but now that I know everyone loves it, I will definitely be keeping it! Thank you!

Is there anything specific you would like to see on The Crazy Bookworm? The majority of the readers like the blog the way it is. A few suggestions about the sidebars and widgets were made that I will definitely take into consideration!

Do you Enjoy the book reviews? Is there anything specific you would like to see added in them? Everyone seems to like the review the way they are. I had a few suggestions to start adding quotes to reviews. I do put a quote in some reviews but I will try and make it a regular thing.

Is there anything you would improve about the blog? The majority left this question blank, so I'll take that as a compliment :)

Some feedback for The Crazy Bookworm blog- I had a lot of amazing comments in this section. You guys are all amazing. Reading the feedback really made my week! I'm so happy that I could make my little spot on this blog-o-sphere enjoyable for you! I had a lot of feedback on the 'Interview with a blogger' feature. I'm so happy you guys are enjoying that. I did have a few people mention those 'dots' in my posts. I don't know where they came from. They just appeared one day and I've tried and tried to get rid of them*pulls hair out*. I don't like them and wish they would leave. If anyone has any knowledge in what they are and/or how to get them to go away that would be GREAT!

Rate The Crazy Bookworm Blog. The Rating went from 1(worst) to Ten(Best). The Crazy Bookworms average rating was 8! Thank you, it made my day to see that!

Thank you to everyone. Even the people that didn't fill it out. All my readers and followers rock!! I'm going to leave the survey open for the remainder of Bloggiesta, so if you'd like to fill it out click HERE

P.S There were a lot of great responses and constructive criticism. I take everything into consideration! There was also a lot of great creative responses and some that brought a huge smile to my face. Thanks!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Bloggiesta begins now and runs through Sunday the 23rd (technically the wee hours of Monday morning). You can really start whenever you want within that time but official hours are 8am to 8am (wherever you are). The hours spent on the challenge do NOT need to be in a row. Use the entire 72 hour time frame and see what you can do with it. It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge.

Bloggiesta is hosted by Maw Books. It's not to late to sign up! For details click here

Update
*Worked on Sidebars. Took away "This months must". All books and movies I recommend will now be found on the "I recommend" widget on left sidebar
*Caught up on e-mails and review requests
*Updated 'About Me' on Blogger home...Still deciding if I want to add one to my actual blog site. What do you think? Are 'About Me's" important to you? Feedback welcome in comments!
*Edited Review Policy. Changed genres I review, changed format preference
*Updated 'Challenge' page
*Still working on Privacy/Contest Policy
*Finished Archives..Yay!
*Backed up blog
*Still catching up on reading.
*Poll widget added via http://www.polldaddy.com/
*Currently working on adding reviews to various sites.
*Spreadsheet made to keep track of everything such as review copies
*Google Calender made to keep track of review copies, interviews and guest posts
*Created Privacy Policy

I follow football sporadically, usually only when my boyfriend flips it on. I do go to a Superbowl party every year so I usually just pick a team from the 2 and cheer for them :P

Happy Hoppin' Friends! Be sure to leave your links so I can follow back. Also if you could click the link above this post and take the brief Readers Satisfaction Survey. I am trying to make The Crazy Bookworm the best it can be for you!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Doriana Callahan's life is unraveling. Someone is stalking her and sabotaging her father's company; her teenage son is rebelling; and Logan Tanner is back in town. For sixteen years she's kept an explosive secret from Logan, a secret he soon discovers.Logan never belonged in Doriana's world, but a long time ago he allowed himself to dream of a future with her, until the awful night he was forced to run. Now he's back and he needs her forgiveness, but first he must forgive himself.

Despite the fact that Doriana kept the existence of his son from him, Logan vows to protect her. He races against time to stop the culprit threatening Doriana and works to forge a bond with his son.

Can the love and passion that still burn between Doriana and Logan overcome old lies and new dangers? The clock is ticking on a second chance at love.

Don't you just love a good love story? I know I do, nothing like a good ol' love story to pull you out of your busy or maybe sometimes boring day. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I first read the premise for this book, even when I first started reading it I was still unsure. Boy oh boy did I love this book! Deep, dark secrets brings on the suspense, the love brings on the fuzzy feelings and the characters just make everything else.The storyline of this book was great on its own but throw in great, fascinating characters and you just have book gold! The book is 252 pages, I'm surprised I didn't burn the 'Next' button on my computer because I was flipping through them so fast, although I think I might have saw smoke...It is definitely a page turner.

This book will definitely leave you with a great feeling after your done reading it. I would highly recommend this book to be read while on vacation or outside in the summer sun. I just can't get over how much this book surprised me, can you tell? Charming characters, a sizzling, enticing storyline. Logan's Redemption is a gem!

What I loved: Everything. The characters, the storyline and I can't forget to mention the good-looking cover. Is it just me or does he look like Cam Gigandet(James from Twilight)?What I disliked: Nothing. Loved it all.

Get your copy today!

*Please click the link above this post to fill out a brief readers satisfaction survey*

The Crazy Bookworm wants to know how you feel about everything that goes on here. If you could just take a moment and fill out this brief survey. It is anonymous so please be 100% honest, but please don't be rude, I do have feelings :). Thank you so much. My goal with this survey is to make The Crazy Bookworm the best that it can be for you!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Colt and Julia were secretly together for an entire year, and no one—not even Julia’s boyfriend— knew. They had nothing in common, with Julia in her country club world on Black Mountain and Colt from down on the flats, but it never mattered. Until Julia dies in a car accident, and Colt learns the price of secrecy. He can’t mourn Julia openly, and he’s tormented that he might have played a part in her death. When Julia’s journal ends up in his hands, Colt relives their year together at the same time that he’s desperately trying to forget her. But how do you get over someone who was never yours in the first place?

*Slight Spoilers*

The Secret Year was a book I couldn't wait to read, the premise for it hooked me right away. However I was left a little disappointed. There was something that just kept me from connecting with the characters. Just as I was beginning to feel for Colt it would jump from the main storyline into something else completely. It was a quick read but left me detached. I think the one thing that bothered me the most was the Sex...not the subject of sex, but the content about it. It seemed to be more about "no strings attached" sex then a love story. It jumped from storyline to storyline making it almost impossible to relate to the characters and the book itself. Then all of a sudden they throw in a brother that makes an announcement that he is gay...Where did that come from? The book tried to cover a lot of teen issues but it wasn't pulled off well. A father with a drinking problem, a gay brother, rivalry between The Black Mountain and The Flats..I was left with a headache. It was too much to cover in one 200 page book. I think it should have concentrated more on the relationship between Colt and Julia, not the sexual relationship but the actual feelings they had for one another. This book was lacking heart. The premise for the book left me feeling more than the actual book itself. The first few pages draw you in but eventually it falls flat. To me, the book was just okay.

What I loved: The beautiful coverWhat I disliked: The lack of attachments to the characters and storyline

Monday, January 17, 2011

Professor Simon Cross has spent his life searching for evidence of vampires and avoiding emotional entanglements. When a mysterious accident transports Simon and his new assistant, Elizabeth West, back in time, Simon finally finds both the proof that he's been looking for, and the romance that he hasn't.

In 1920s Manhattan, there are more than mobsters vying for power in the city's speakeasies. Will Simon and Elizabeth's developing relationship survive the vampires' teeth? Will they survive to make it back? Or will they be forever out of time?

This is my first book by Monique Martin and wow...it was fabulous! This is the perfect book to read after a long day at work or relaxing after some chores. It pulls you out of your hectic day and puts you into an incredible story. I love reading time travel romances especially when they have a paranormal twist, when I first read the blurb for Out of Time I knew I had to read it, and I was not disappointed. I was left wanting more. Captivating characters, an adventurous and unique storyline and a smooth flowing writing style...What's not to love? That is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend. Even if your not a fan of paranormal or time travel, Out of Time may surprise you. Monique Martin penned a one of kind read. One that I will definitely re-read again in the future.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

BBP: I have had a family blog for 2 ½ years. I love reading and wanted to start to share my thoughts on my books. So I started a book blog. I had no idea the world I was opening up to myself when I started it.

CB:What inspired you to start a book blog?

BBP:I simply wanted a place to write my thoughts on what I was reading. My first few posts were nothing like they are now. Like I said above, I had no idea the world that is out there for book bloggers. Publishers and authors have kept my shelves stocked and I am extremely thankful.

CB:Tell us 5 things about yourself

BBP: 1. I am a mom to a 4 year old princess who keeps me very busy and a 6 year old video game nerd that helps me keep my sanity.

2. I am a cat lover. We have 5 cats! My husband and I both love them so much we never tell the other one no when we find another kitty we want.

3. I like to be organized and have things clean. However, it’s a lot more difficult than I thought and I have learned to have to just let some things go.

4. I want to be a writer. I have ideas throughout my head. I have actually written a book. It’s a contemporary romance. I just need to actually edit it. It’s been sitting here for 2 years now. Sad, I know. I am also working on a short erotic story for fun.

5. I just started to watch the series Dexter and I don’t watch TV often, but this series has got me hooked. It’s based off a book and I have got to get my hands on the book.

CB:What is the best and the hardest part of book blogging?

BBP: Hardest part is the disappointment you feel sometimes. The blogging community is so big and you are only one little person, but you want to feel like you are someone.

Best part, when authors actually take the time to visit your blog and leave comments. Comments from fellow bloggers and friends always make it feel worthwhile. Just knowing that maybe someone put a book I blogged about on their TBR list feels nice.

CB: If you could have dinner with any book character in history who would it be?

BBP: I have no idea. Probably some hunky cop character, lol! In females, a strong and stubborn heroine.

CB: Do you have a favorite book series?

BBP: Hmmm, not sure. I loved Victoria Dahl’s Tumble Creek series.

CB: What other hobbies do you enjoy aside from reading and blogging?

BBP: Writing. I don’t know that I am a hobby person. I don’t collect anything, or do much else besides take care of the kids and hubby and read. I write in my spare time which is rare.

CB: Have you ever read a book that changed your opinion on something?

BBP: Oh yes, books are filled with tons of knowledge. Even smut books, I have learned quite a bit in those. **wink wink.**

CB: Finish this sentence "I can't live without..."?

BBP: Coffee!!!!

CB: Where is your favorite reading spot?

BBP: Right now, my loveseat. It’s usually where I read. If I ever have that great huge house we all dream of, I want a room for my bookshelves, and big huge comfy chair, a huge bay window, and a sign that says “No Children, No Men.”

CB: What book could you re-read over and over again?

BBP: I am not a re reader at all. There are so many books out there that could be read. I do have books I keep that I can’t get rid of because I love them so much. I might re read one, one of these days. One I keep is Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught. It’s not like the historical romance you read now a days. It’s more real on how men were back then. It was the first historical romance I ever read.

CB: If you had to choose 3 books to keep from your bookshelf, what books would you choose?

BBP: Take Me Down by Victoria Dahl

Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught

Welcome To Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

CB: Do you have any tips or advice for new bloggers?

BBP: Make your blog your own. Show who you are. Don’t make you blog all about meme’s. Yes they help get your blog out there, but if there is nothing else on there then it’s just a big blog of memes. I like to see bloggers templates and so on. I think it lets us know a little more about them.

CRAZY QUIZ

Bookmarks or Dog-ears? Bookmarks! Can’t stand dog-ears.

E-Readers: Yes or No? My answer used to be no, but since getting my Sony e-reader, I am addicted to it!

Vampires or Werewolves? Werewolves!

Twilight or Harry Potter? Twilight. I have actually not ever read the Harry Potter series.

If you could transform into an animal what would you chose to be? Probably a cat who lives in my household.

What super power would you like to have? The ability to be invisible so I can get a little time alone.

Hero's or Villains? Hero’s

Thank you so much Beck! You are welcome back anytime. Head on over to Becks Book Picks and say Hello!

*Interview with a Book Blogger is a feature here at The Crazy Bookworm. To find out more information and details on signing up check out the 'Interview with a Blogger' page on my right sidebar.*

Friday, January 14, 2011

Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura's dad left them. Convinced that "creative" equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked—and together may offer an escape from her fears.

"This moment is just like that-slow and agonizing, and even though I can't see her, I know mom's headed straight for disaster. She's headed straight for a metaphorical semi." Aura Ambrose

A Blue So Dark is the reason why I love reading so much. Every once and a while a truly remarkable book makes it into your hands and A Blue So Dark was one of those books for me. Once I finished reading the last sentence I was left a little sad, not at the book but because it was over. Aura is an unforgettable character and her story will stay with me for a very long time. The story is heart-wrenching, tragic and hauntingly beautiful. Aura is just a 15 year old girl that has to deal with problems she shouldn't even have to face. She is her mothers only support system and "caregiver", if that isn't enough she has her own problems to deal with and she begins to feel suffocated. There were so many moments that I wish I could just reach out and hold her hand. Be there for her. Be her support system. The writing style is very poetic, it is filled with heart and soul. It was beautifully written. The book is emotionally charged, you won't be able to sit though this book without feeling something, anger, sadness, whatever emotion arises you will feel it. The intensity of this book is consistent and stays throughout the book, You'll be flying through the pages.

This book is not only about a teenage daughter trying to cope with her mothers illness. It is also about love. The love between a mother and daughter and the love between yourself and your passion, the one thing that makes you feel alive. Holly Schindler penned such an beautiful, passionate book. This is one of those books that should be on all bookshelves. A must read!

What made me love it: Everything. Incredible characters and an outstanding storyWhat I disliked: Nothing. Honestly, there isn't one thing I didn't love about this book!

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Cathy and I'm the creator of this little space on the internet. By day, I am a Yoga instructor and by night I am an avid reader and a book blogger.

Like all book bloggers, I created this website to have a platform to rant or rave about the latest book I just read, book trends, and more! As much as this space is for me, it is for you! I work to better this little website every day so you enjoy your visit!